Eric Cantor loses Virginia Republican Party primary

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was viewed as a potential successor to House Speaker John Boehner

US House Majority Leader Eric Cantor has lost a Virginia Republican Party primary election to a challenger from the party's populist Tea Party wing.

Little-known economics professor David Brat defeated the second-ranking House of Representatives member 56%-44%.

"This is a miracle from God," Mr Brat said, as his allies among conservatives cheered the result.

Mr Cantor had been widely favoured to win, having raised significantly more money than Mr Brat.

But the election appears to have exposed dissatisfaction with Mr Cantor, first elected in 2000.

But Mr Brat attacked Mr Cantor's record, including his support for some immigration reforms, and rallied enthusiastic members of the anti-tax, conservative populist Tea Party movement in the low-turnout race.

He also won despite the majority leader raising $5.4m (£3.2m) for his campaign. Mr Brat raised less than $300,000.

As he conceded on Tuesday evening, Mr Cantor said the election was "disappointing, sure".

"But I believe in this country. I believe there's opportunity around the next corner for all of us."

Analysis in the US media

There's a famous saying by former Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil that "all politics is local".

In the end, Mr Cantor could be out of a job because he took his home-state constituents for granted.

"Cantor let his guard down by focusing on the intrigues of the Capitol and neglecting the demands of district service, constituent contact and visible fealty to local priorities," writes NPR's Ron Elving.